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- Inexpensive for a longtail cargo bike
- Sturdy and comfortable
- Lots of storage space
- Best for moderate cargo loads
- Heavy
Cargo bikes are good for commuters who use their bike for everything from taking their kids to school to grocery shopping. There are a number of popular cargo bikes on the market today, but the Kona Ute stands out in reviews for its value -- many comparable cargo bikes cost hundreds of dollars more. The Kona Ute is a longtail bike, and it has a wooden rear platform with a waterproof pannier. Like most cargo bikes, it also has a double kickstand and fenders. In general, reviewers love the Kona Ute. They say it's very stable and comfortable to ride, and although it can be slow to accelerate (because of its 40-pound weight), it cruises nicely once up to speed. Reviewers say the bike is best suited for moderate loads only. If you haul very heavy cargo on a regular basis, the Surly Big Dummy (MSRP: $2,450) may be a better choice, but it's a lot more expensive.
Reviewers have yet to test the new 2011 Kona Ute, which has been updated with a new alloy fork, a stronger front brake rotor and redesigned panniers. Unlike previous versions, the new model is also compatible with Xtracycle's Pee Pod LT child seat. Bicycle Times magazine and blogs like BikeCarson and The Gear Junkie have good reviews of last year's model, just keep in mind that some components have changed.
Our Sources
1. Bicycle TimesDetails/Subscribe
Bicycle Times magazine has a lengthy test-based review of the 2010 Kona Ute cargo bike. Editors praise the responsive handling and comfortable ride, and the waterproof panniers are easy to load and unload. The Kona Ute can't handle the largest loads, but it's also faster than larger cargo bikes.
Review: Candy Store: Kona Ute, "Justin", May 19, 2010
Bike blogger Jeff Moser says the 2010 Kona Ute is a "blast to ride," and he thinks it speeds along well once it gets going -- even if it "accelerates like a moving van." Like other reviewers, Moser says he thinks the Kona Ute rides much like a regular bike.
Review: Kona Ute Review -- 1st Ride on the Kona Ute, Jeff Moser, March 26, 2009
This Outside magazine blog post isn't available on the magazine's website, but it is posted on Stephen Regenold's Facebook page, which members and nonmembers alike can access. Regenold (aka the Gear Junkie) says the 2010 Kona Ute is quite speedy when it's not loaded up, and it cruises well when you have some cargo on board. However, he says you'll feel the weight when you go uphill.
Review: The Gear Junkie Scoop: Kona Ute, Stephen Regenold, June 12, 2009
MetaEfficient.com, a blog about efficient and eco-friendly products, picks the Kona Ute as one of the best commuter bikes of 2010. Although the review focuses mainly on features, writer Justin Thomas recommends the Ute if you regularly bike with large cargo loads.
Review: The Best Commuter Bikes of 2010, Justin Thomas, Feb. 27, 2009
5. Uncrate.com
The editors of Uncrate.com say the Kona Ute is designed for riders who use their bike "as a workhorse." Otherwise there's little detail in this review.
Review: Kona Ute Bike, Editors of Uncrate.com, Not Dated
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